Macross VF-1 – The Valkyrie Battloid Macross Variable Fighter

The VF-1 is the first variable fighter to be produced by humans using Overtechnology from the crashed SDF-1 Macross alien spaceship. It is also known as the Valkyrie Battroid.

The main feature of a veritech is its ability to transform into a humanoid form, known as a Battloid. This feature allows it to engage in high altitude aerial combat planetside or in space.

Features

As the name implies, macross veritech fighters are jet- and robot-like, with agility far beyond anything humans can achieve. They also have the ability to transform into a humanoid form, called a battloid. The VF-1 is the first mass-produced transforming aerospace fighter mecha. It is available in 4 models, VF-1A, VF-1J, VF-1S and VF-1D.

It is also capable of deploying a variety of weapons. The VF-1 is equipped with multiple head lasers and an anti-armor bayonet. It can also mount a gun pod in its abdomen that fires backwards in both jet and guardian modes.

The VF-1 is still in use at the start of Macross Plus, but is eventually replaced by the VF-4 Lightning III. It’s a little hard to justify the switchover given that Macross takes place in a universe where technological superiority matters less than how good your pilot is. However, the VF-4 can outclass a VF-1 anyway. The VF-1s are also prone to limited thrust power.

Colors

This VF-1S Valkyrie in Rick Hunter’s custom paint scheme is an excellent addition to your Macross collection. The figure stands about 7.5″ tall and can transform into Fighter, Guardian and Battloid modes. It includes optional hands, gun pod and missile attachments as well as a display stand.

Veritech is a term used to describe mecha that have been modified by using the advanced Robotechnology from the crashed SDF-1. These transforming mecha can operate in a variety of environments, whether on the surface of a planet or in outer space.

In early development for Macross, creator Shoji Kawamori envisioned the main character’s mecha as having an ostrich-like leg configuration. However, the initial sponsor of the project wanted a more conventional robot for the hero to pilot. The design of the transforming VF-1 Valkyrie came out of that compromise, with the legs swinging down when in Fighter mode.

Weapons

The discovery of the Zentradi race—giant, humanoid aliens genetically engineered for military conquest—prompted the U.N. Spacy to develop variable fighters that could fight the giant aliens on their own turf (Battroid mode), in space (Fighter mode) or even in hand-to-hand combat. Also known as valkyries, these versatile fighters are equipped with weapons that allow them to transform from one form to the next.

They were designed to complement squadrons of Super Veritechs, which could take out the T’sentrA|di motherships, by destroying their hulls. They are armed with M61 Vulcan heavy machine guns, which are also used by UN Air Force F-14A Kai fighters and as the main gun of US Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

The VF-1 is also outfitted with a hyperdrive, allowing it to travel at up to three times the speed of light and thus escape from enemy fire more quickly than other frontline fighters. It can also use its hyperdrive to enter orbit and engage in space combat.

Accessories

For fans of the iconic transforming fighter robot from the popular Japanese anime series Macross and its English adaptation Robotech, there are several accessories available to enhance your collection. These range from figurines to action figures and collectible statues.

From the popular space opera series Macross comes this 1/60 scale VF-11B Thunderbolt from Bandai. It features the VF-1S in Roy Fokker’s custom paint scheme that Rick Hunter later inherited as commander of Skull Squadron after Fokker’s death.

This figure is highly articulated and transforms into three modes: Battloid, Guardian, and Fighter. It also comes with a display stand and removable helmet.

The VF-8 Logan is a light Veritech fighter used by the Army of the Southern Cross during the Second Robotech War and Expedition to Tirol. It is designed to fight in both atmospheric and space battles, but it has poor performance in atmospheric flight.

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